Names in the news, Jan. 10

From wire reports •January 9, 2012 6:28 pm

Through a rap verse, Jay-Z has confirmed the birth of “the most beautiful” girl in the world — his newborn daughter. The song “Glory” made its debut on his social website Life and Times on Monday — two days after he and wife Beyonce gave birth to daughter Blue Ivy. The couple said in a statement the baby was delivered naturally and weighed 7 pounds. “Her birth was emotional and extremely peaceful, we are in heaven. … It was the best experience of both of our lives. We are thankful to everyone for all your prayers, well wishes, love and support.” Jay-Z’s sweet song, in which he says “you’re my child with a child from Destiny’s Child,” gives more revelations. In the song, Jay-Z , whose real name is Shawn Carter, talks about where the child was conceived (in Paris) and even reveals that Beyonce had a miscarriage at one point. “Last time the miscarriage was so tragic/We was afraid you’d disappear/But nah baby you magic.” The song’s refrain is: “The most amazing feeling I feel/Words can’t describe what I’m feeling for real/ Maybe I paint the sky blue/My greatest creation was you. You. Glory.” The sound of a baby’s cries — perhaps Blue’s — ends the song. … The Emmy-winning “Family” actress Kristy McNichol has come out publicly as a lesbian, in support of kids who are being bullied. McNichol, who has been living with partner Martie Allen for 20 years, decided to share a picture of the two of them with People magazine. “She hopes that coming out can help kids who need support,” her publicist told the magazine. “She would like to help others who feel different.” The “Empty Nest” co-star — who as a teen won Emmy Awards in 1977 and 1979 for supporting actress in a drama, for her work as “Buddy,” the youngest child on “Family” — has since left acting entirely. She told People in a 1989 interview that while working on a movie in 1982, she faced: “Nonstop crying. Nonstop anxiety. I was always shaking like a leaf. Freaking out, crying, confused.” McNichol, her rep said, is healthy nowadays and enjoys living a very private life. She turns 50 in September.